Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie bestowed the Distinguished Hoosier Award on renowned violinist Alexander Kerr during an April 24 ceremony at Bryan House on the Bloomington campus. Kerr is professor of music and Linda and Jack Gill Chair in Music at the Jacobs School of Music.

Music theorists Andrew Mead and Daphne Tan appointed to Jacobs School faculty

The Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Mead as professor of music theory and Daphne Tan as assistant professor of music theory. Their teaching duties will begin in the fall of 2013, pending approval from the Trustees of Indiana University.

Jacobs School appoints Lauren Kapalka Richerme to music education faculty

The Jacobs School is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Kapalka Richerme as assistant professor of music education beginning in fall 2013, pending approval from the Trustees of Indiana University.

Espen Jensen appointed Jacobs director of admissions and financial aid

The Jacobs School of Music has appointed Norwegian-born Espen Jensen as its new director of admissions and financial aid. He began his activities as director March 18.

Renowned Jacobs alumni among musicians performing Biber ‘Mystery Sonatas’ for Middle Way House benefit

A number of leading Baroque violinists who studied at the Jacobs School will return to Bloomington for a rare performance of Heinrich Biber’s “Mystery Sonatas” at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28. The benefit concert for Middle Way House, a domestic violence victim services program and crisis center, will take place at Fairview United Methodist Church, 600 West Sixth St.

Jacobs School publishes ‘The Art of Descant and Free Harmonization’ by Dean Emeritus Charles H. Webb

In celebration of the 80th birthday of Dean Emeritus Charles H. Webb Jr., the Jacobs School announces the publication of “The Art of Descant and Free Harmonization,” a book of more than 200 choral and organ descants that accompany a wide variety of hymns.

Additional Upcoming Events

A full calendar of events will resume when our Summer Music series—including the Pacifica Quartet and the International Harp Competition—begins June 14. For a complete event listing, click here.

Faculty, Student, and Alumni News Updates

The most recent updates include the debut of a new opera company in Bloomington, led by Jacobs students; all the school’s Herald-Times previews and reviews by Peter Jacobi; and much more!

A world premiere, an additional new production, an updated production and a tribute to one of the Jacobs School of Music’s most distinguished faculty members await explorers of all kinds at Bloomington’s Musical Arts Center during the 2013-14 Indiana University Opera and Ballet Theater season — “9 Stops: 1 Incredible Journey.”

IU Jacobs School of Music appoints violinist, composer and conductor Joseph Swensen to faculty

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of violinist and conductor Joseph Swensen as visiting professor of music (violin). He will join the faculty in the fall of 2013.

Jacobs School presents ‘Jazz Celebration — A Tribute to Cole Porter’ April 20

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music will present its annual Jazz Celebration at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, in Bloomington’s Musical Arts Center with a significant tribute to Indiana legend Cole Porter. Guest vocalist Sunny Wilkinson will join Tim Noble, IU distinguished professor of voice, and several Jacobs School student and faculty ensembles for the celebration. The variety of ensembles performing includes a 55-piece string ensemble, big band, vocal jazz ensemble, a jazz faculty combo, and a student piano trio.
Note: This performance will be live-streamed via IUMusicLive!

Alumnus Shawn Pelton donates Saturday Night Live drum set to percussion department

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music alumnus and “Saturday Night Live” band drummer Shawn Pelton recently worked with percussion students in Bloomington and donated a drum kit he used on the set of NBC’s Emmy Award-winning late-night comedy showcase.

Celebrate Verdi’s 200th birthday with free “Requiem” performances

The Jacobs School will celebrate Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th birthday with a free performance of the Italian composer’s “Requiem” in Bloomington, Wednesday, April 17 in the MAC and Friday, April 19, at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This will mark the school’s first formal appearance at the center’s Palladium. The Concert Orchestra, Oratorio Chorus and four student soloists, will be conducted by David Effron.
Note: The Bloomington performance will be live-streamed via IUMusicLive!

SpringFest celebration features guest conductor Donald Hunsberger

The annual “SpringFest,” a free concert celebration of winds, brass and percussion takes place at 8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in Bloomington’s Musical Arts Center. With performances by the Jacobs School of Music Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, the concert will feature guest conductor Donald Hunsberger, conductor emeritus of the Eastman Wind Ensemble.

‘Ballet at the BCT’ presents new choreography from IU Ballet Department, April 17 & 18

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Department of Ballet presents its annual ‘Ballet at the BCT: The Choreography Project’ at 7:30 p.m. on April 17 and 18 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in downtown Bloomington. Thirty short ballets will be performed, displaying diversity in style and technique, with an equally diverse set of musical selections. The highly anticipated performances are free and open to the public.

Composer Joan Tower “Five Friends” residency includes lecture today and performance of works with New Music Ensemble, Friday

Joan Tower, widely regarded as one of the most important American composers living today, will spend this week at the IU Jacobs School of Music, offering a lecture Wednesday April 17, group lessons to composition students and will be the featured composer in the New Music Ensemble concert, Friday April 19.

Additional Upcoming Events

In addition to Ballet at the BCT, the Verdi Requiem, SpringFest, and Jazz Celebration, remaining major events this semester include the New Music Ensemble—directed by Don Freund—Friday night, the IU Children’s Choir Saturday afternoon, and Menahem Pressler in an April 21 performance with the Jewish Studies Program. For a complete event listing, click here.

Faculty, Student, and Alumni News Updates

The most recent updates include Kim Carballo, coordinating opera coach for IU Opera Theater, being featured on the IU Research website; student harpist Liza Wallace’s Waken CD; alumna Emma Gerstein winning a position with the New World Symphony; and much more!

Celebrating Verdi’s 200th birthday, April 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m., in Bloomington’s Musical Arts Center. The season finale marks the first time stage director Robin Guarino has worked with IU Opera, while conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos returns to the podium and retired professor Robert O’Hearn provides set and costume designs.
Note: The first two performances will be live-streamed via IUMusicLive!

Jacobs School presents ‘Jazz Celebration — A Tribute to Cole Porter’ April 20

The Jacobs School of Music will present its annual Jazz Celebration at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in the Musical Arts Center, with a significant tribute to Indiana legend Cole Porter. The event is the first in a series of annual concerts that will focus on the impressive legacy of the art form in the state and coincides with the nationally celebrated Jazz Appreciation Month of April.
Note: This performance will be live-streamed via IUMusicLive!

Free Indianapolis Symphony concert at IU to celebrate 100th anniversary of ‘Rite of Spring’

The Jacobs School will host a free performance by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14, in the Musical Arts Center. Conducted by newly appointed music director Krzysztof Urbanski, the concert will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Russian composer Igor Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.”

Celebrate Verdi’s 200th birthday with free “Requiem” performances

The Jacobs School will celebrate Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th birthday with a free performance of the Italian composer’s “Requiem” in Bloomington, Wednesday, April 17 in the MAC and Friday, April 19, at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. This will mark the school’s first formal appearance at the center’s Palladium. The Concert Orchestra, Oratorio Chorus and four student soloists, will be conducted by David Effron.
Note: The Bloomington performance will be live-streamed via IUMusicLive!

Michael Brandenburg wins Grand Prize at Met Opera National Council Auditions

Jacobs School of Music student and Jacobs Fellow Michael Brandenburg, a student of Timothy Noble, was named one of six winners at the annual Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Finals on March 10.

Jacobs presents quartet concert at Kennedy Center

Four students from the Jacobs School, all members of the recently formed Wasmuth Quartet, will perform at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The performance is part of the center’s Conservatory Project, a concert series showcasing artists from America’s leading music schools.
Note: This performance will be live-streamed here!

Latin American Music Center receives Alfonso Montecino legacy collection

Chilean pianist, composer and Jacobs Professor Emeritus Alfonso Montecino has donated his legacy collection to the school’s Latin American Music Center.

Students of Pacifica Quartet presenting community chamber music series

Student chamber ensembles studying with the Pacifica Quartet — the quartet-in-residence at the Jacobs School — are presenting a series of eight free community concerts in Bloomington from Monday, March 25, through Saturday, April 20.

Ritmos Unidos ensemble, directed by Michael Spiro, releases first CD

Jacobs professor Michael Spiro, a seven-time Grammy nominee, is having a huge impact on Bloomington’s local and regional music scene. His impact took another leap forward with the forming of Ritmos Unidos, a high-energy ensemble, which released its first CD in January — “iFunklorico!.”

Additional Upcoming Events

This weekend offers an abundance of student recitals, including a Guitar Studio Recital Friday night, a Voice Studio Rectal Saturday afternoon, and a Trumpet Studio Recital Sunday afternoon. Also on Sunday, enjoy evening performances by the University Orchestra, conducted by Arthur Fagen, and Concentus. For a complete event listing, click here.

Faculty, Student, and Alumni News Updates

The most recent updates include Lissa May, director of undergraduate studies, receiving the Jazz Journalists Association 2013 Jazz Hero award; orchestral conducting student Paul Ghun Kim being appointed resident conductor of the Oregon Symphony; alumnus tenor Lawrence Brownlee receiving a glowing review in the New York Times; and much more!

Jacobs School remembers faculty member Washington McClain

The Jacobs School mourns the loss of the Early Music Institute’s esteemed colleague and baroque oboe teacher, Washington McClain. Read more about him and offer your remembrances and condolences here.

Chicago Symphony Principal Horn Dale Clevenger appointed to Jacobs School of Music faculty

The Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce that Dale Clevenger, principal horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the past 47 years, will join its Brass Department faculty full time as professor of practice in the fall of 2013, pending approval by the Trustees of Indiana University.

Jacobs School appoints violinist Grigory Kalinovsky to faculty

The Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce that violinist Grigory Kalinovsky will join its String Department faculty full time as professor of music in the fall of 2013, pending approval by the Trustees of Indiana University.

IU Opera Theater partners with Indianapolis Opera in performances of Philip Glass’ “Akhnaten.”

IU Opera Theater presents its second weekend of Philip Glass’ Akhnaten in the Musical Arts Center, March 1 and 2 at 8pm, before embarking on its first-ever collaboration with Indianapolis Opera. The final two performances of the critically acclaimed opera take place, March 8 and 9, at 8pm at Clowes Memorial Hall on the Butler University campus in Indianapolis.

Yo-Yo Ma, Silk Road Ensemble come to IU for residency, performance at IU Auditorium

The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma will share its multicultural orchestral experience with IU Bloomington students through residency and other educational activities, and will also give a public performance at 8 p.m. Monday, March 18, at IU Auditorium.

Singing Hoosiers to present first Spring Concert with new director at IU Auditorium

The IU Singing Hoosiers will perform their first spring concert with new director Steve Zegree at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the IU Auditorium. The 63rd annual family friendly spring event will open with a unique number written, arranged, produced and choreographed by members of the group, followed by compositions of Hoagy Carmichael, Cole Porter, Billy Joel, Mozart and others, showcasing up-tempo choreography and a high-energy style.

Jacobs School partners with IU Cinema on ‘Double Exposure’ featuring student composers and filmmakers

Following a successful premiere last year, “Double Exposure” — an annual project that pairs composition students from the Jacobs School of Music with IU film students — returns to IU Cinema at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 3. The new program of works will feature scores performed live by an ensemble of student musicians.

Pianist Sandra Rivers joins Jacobs faculty for March 4 performance

Sandra Rivers, professor of collaborative piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, visits Jacobs next week for activities including a concert Monday, March 4, at 8 p.m. in Auer Hall with members of the Jacobs faculty.

International guests Patrick Gallois and Maria Prinz in concert at Jacobs

The Jacobs Department of Woodwinds is pleased to present flautist Patrick Gallois and pianist Maria Prinz in guest recital at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, in Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Jacobs School and College of Arts and Sciences faculty organize symposium on ‘Technologies of Experience’

IU Bloomington faculty members Philip Ford and Dawna Schuld will lead the multi-disciplinary seminar “Technologies of Experience” April 5 and 6 at the Lilly Library. The keynote speaker for the event will be Graham Larkin, a Canadian art historian and curator.

Jacobs students win in National Society of Arts and Letters competitions

Jacobs School of Music students received numerous awards in the Bloomington Chapter of the 2013 National Society of Arts and Letters voice, instrumental and ballet competitions recently held at the school.

IU experts: Plan to save nation’s recorded sound heritage only first step

An Indiana University sound archivist who co-authored a national recording preservation plan released last week by the Library of Congress said the work to save America’s recorded sound heritage has just begun. She and three other representatives from IU who served on task forces that helped create the plan said it is only a first step and that the more difficult task lies in actually implementing its recommendations.

Additional Upcoming Events

Enjoy the Trombone Audition Eve recital tonight at 7 p.m. in Ford-Crawford Hall or the Carillon in the Courtyard performance at 7:15 p.m. Other treats this weekend include the Classical Orchestra, directed by Stanley Ritchie, Sunday at 4 p.m. in Auer Hall and the Double Exposure student film and composition collaboration at 6:30 p.m. at IU Cinema. For a complete event listing, click here.

Faculty, Student, and Alumni News Updates

The most recent updates include a particularly triumphant concert by faculty pianist Menahem Pressler, alumnus Larry Jacobson becoming a #1 international best-selling author, more winners from recent Jacobs concerto competitions, and much more!

Indiana University Opera Theater will unveil its first production of Handel’s comedic “Xerxes” at 8 p.m. Feb. 1, 2, 8 and 9 in the Musical Arts Center, bringing the production company housed in the Jacobs School of Music’s Musical Arts Center one step closer to its mission of producing a Handel opera every four years and exemplifying its new goal of welcoming well-known artists in the opera world as a way to give students practical experience.

Jacobs School appoints double bassist Kurt Muroki to faculty

The Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce that double bassist Kurt Muroki will join its faculty as professor of music (double bass) in the fall of 2013, pending approval by the Trustees of Indiana University.

Jacobs appoints jazz vocalist Ly Wilder to faculty

The Jacobs School is pleased to announce the appointment of jazz vocalist and vocal jazz ensemble director Ly Wilder as adjunct lecturer in jazz voice, completing a faculty lineup that will introduce vocal jazz as a major study area in the school.

IU String Academy Virtuosi will play Carnegie Hall

Twenty-one members of the String Academy Virtuosi—a gifted group of violinists, violists and cellists between the ages of 12 and 18 who study in the pre-college program at the Jacobs School of Music—will perform in Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall at 7:30 p.m. March 11.

Jacobs faculty and alumni contend for Grammys

Jacobs continues to be a contender on the nominee list for the annual Grammy Awards, to be presented live on Feb. 10 on CBS by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences.

Award-winning composer Claude Baker releases new CD

The Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the IUMusic label release of “Flights of Passage,” a collection of chamber music written by internationally celebrated composer and faculty member Claude Baker over a period of 25 years.

Jacobs School welcomes 2012-13 Jacobs Scholars and Fellows

Eight new Jacobs Scholars and six new Jacobs Fellows began their studies in fall 2012 at the Jacobs School of Music. Selected from a large pool of incoming students, they are the recipients of the most prestigious and substantial scholarship awards in the school.

Nicholas Mariscal wins 2013 Latin American Music Center Recording Competition

The Jacobs Latin American Music Center is pleased to announce cellist Nicholas Mariscal as winner of the final round of the third Latin American Music Recording Competition, held Jan. 27, in Auer Hall.

Additional Upcoming Events

Learn more about Xerxes during the panel discussion today (Feb. 1) at noon in Ford-Crawford Hall, and enjoy the Trombone Audition Eve recital tonight at 7pm in Ford or the Choral Fest tonight at 8pm in Auer Hall. Other weekend delights include a Metz Carillon recital Saturday at 2pm followed by faculty pianist Emile Naoumoff in an Auer Hall recital at 6pm, and the Classical Orchestra concert Sunday at 4pm in Auer. For a complete event listing, click here.

Faculty, Student, and Alumni News Updates

The most recent updates include faculty member Dominick DiOrio winning a composition competition, faculty member Aida Huseynova making a television appearance in Azerbaijan, all the winners from recent Jacobs concerto competitions, and much more!